First Overclock (Before and After Results)

[Erighan]

Hello everyone. I just wanted to share my first experience overclocking.

Basically...there was nothing to it. :lol: Below are my results.

System

-E4300 1.8 GHz (batch L649H043) (pack date 4/25/07)
-MSI P6N SLI Platinum
-2 GB Patriot Extreme (4.4.4.12)
-250 GB WD SATA HDD
-XFX 7900GS (stock 525/775)
-Hiper 530w
-Arctic Cooler Freezer 7 Pro
-MX-1 Thermal Compound

Stock Benchmark Results

-PCMark05: 5596
-3DMark05: 8621
-3DMark06: 4677

System Temperatures - Stock

CPU
-TAT: 40c Idle / 55c Load
-Speedfan: 26c Idle / 42c Load
-CoreTemp 0.95 DTS: 60c Idle / 45c Load
Graphics Card
-ATI Tool: 50c Idle / 70c Load

I was really impressed with the temperature readings, especially the 60� DTS reading that CoreTemp was giving at idle. I only hoped this meant I was going to get some good overclock numbers.

Overclock Settings

BIOS
-2.7 GHz
-1200 FSB / 9 Multiplier (300x9=2700 MHz)
-600 DRAM (Underclocked to match 1:1 ratio)
-Stock Voltage
7900GS
-600 MHz Core
-890.43 MHz Memory (1880.86 Effective)

Overclock Benchmark Results

-PCMark05: 7149
-3DMark05: 10104
-3DMark06: 5502

System Temperatures - Overclock

CPU
-TAT: 43c Idle / 65c Load
-Speedfan: 30c Idle / 50c Load
-CoreTemp 0.95 DTS: 57c Idle / 33c Load
Graphics Card
-ATI Tool: 52c Idle / 73c Load

The e4300 is such a great little chip. I've nearly raised the FSB by 1 GHz and I still haven't had to raise the voltage. I'm sure I can get a few hundred more MHz out of it, but I'm going to stay here for now and see how the temps behave. I ran Orthos and TAT for 4hrs. each with no issues.

The stock XFX 7900GS comes overclocked already, but I had no problems raising both the core and memory settings, especially the memory. The best part is the temperatures didn't seem to be affected much by the overclock. It only gained an additional 3-4c at load. Again, I'm sure I can get more out of it, but I'm happy for now.

Couple of questions:

1. CoreTemp 0.95 causes computer reboots while running in the background during benchmark tests (i.e. running both CoreTemp and PCMark05). Anyone have this problem or know what could be causing it?

2. I used ATI Tool to overclock the 7900gs. I have to "load" the new profile overclock settings each time I start the computer. Is there a way to "permanetly" save these settings?

Thanks and hope you found the information helpful.

 

[drew455]

you're lucky with coretemp 0.95. as soon as i start it my comp blue screens. as for ati tool i know there is a way to set it to overclock at start up i'm just not sure how to do it. sry. your system seems nice and might benefit from water cooling with all that overclocking if you can swing it. then you would have some really good temps for sure

 

[Erighan]

I've played with CoreTemp and just can't get it to run in the background. It crashes when playing games as well.

I'll have to see if ATI Tool has any startup options. At first glance I wasn't able to find anything. Maybe it's supposed to be this way - I don't know much about GPU overclocking seeing how this is my first time.

I'd love for a watercooling setup, but that will have to wait for now.

 

[wiz83]

I know quite some people who actually fry their nVidia GPU by trying to use ATI Tool. I know ATI Tool supports nVidia well, but there are other tools out there that are specialized for nVidia.

 

[doormatderek]

Can't you just put ATI Tools into the StartUp folder in the START menu???

 

[htredneck]

I have the ASUS 7900GS that comes with over clocking software called "Smart Doctor" One of the options is to maintain settings at reboot. I don´t know if you can use this software with your card or not. It is the same chip but a different manufacturer. What software came with your card?

 

[myerz]

you can use RivaTuner for your 7900.....it has an option to apply your settings at startup via registry key. Great little program, i use it to apply my fan and clock speeds at startup

 

[FSXFan]

Can't you just put ATI Tools into the StartUp folder in the START menu???

No, you have to overclock it to your desired settings, then save it in a profile, then you just set it to load that profile during startup.

 

[FSXFan]

Wow, I just realized you're using ATITool on an nVidia card, I didn't think that would even work. RivaTuner doesn't work on ATI cards. Anyway, I would just try out the RivaTuner program since it's kinda made for that card. Just my $.02.

 

[wiz83]

Get CoolBit ... it's the best I'd say ...

 

[Erighan]

I originally downloaded RivaTuner and ATI Tool and tested them both. It was obvious RivaTuner had more options, but it was too much for me seeing how this was my first overclock. I knew ATI Tool worked on Nvidia card because many people on the forums reported using it, so I tested it as well. I loved the 3D test in ATI and it seemed much more user friendly.

Also, I was able to find the advanced options in ATI that allow the profile to boot at startup, so that seems to work well. Thanks

What are your thoughts on each of the programs performance when it comes to displaying the correct GPU temperatures? Do you find any particular program to be more accurate than others?

 

[myerz]

that i cant really help you with haha....i use nvidia monitor that came with my mobo or look in the nvidia control panel under 3d settings, monitor gpu temperature.....welcome to overclocking! its fun once you get the hang of it, good luck

 

[htredneck]

Change the thermal paste under the fan and your temps will improve

 

[wiz83]

Yes, you can use ATI Tool to overclock your nVidia card, no doubt, just that I've read lots of people permanently screwing up their nVidia card by using ATI Tool's automatic overclocker, causing permanent artifacts. If you're doing things manually, then everything should be fine ...